Debates about the different ways women approach motherhood dominate news coverage about parenthood these days, with fathers' experiences often left unexamined.

A look at what the poll found on how men view fatherhood, and the changes it has brought for those who have become dads:

BECOMING A DAD

About 8 in 10 fathers surveyed said they always knew they wanted to have children, compared with about 7 in 10 mothers, and 69 percent of dads called that long-standing desire to have children an important factor in their decision to have kids.

Dads were more likely than moms in the poll to say they saw positive effects from fatherhood on their love life and career, and they are just as likely as moms to say it improved their overall happiness, sense of accomplishment and sense of purpose.